Jules Brateau

JULES BRATEAU (Bourgesy, 1844 - Fécamp, 1923).
Jug and circular tray "Allegory of the Arts", ca. 1887-89.
Silver-plated pewter.
Marks and signature on the back.
Bibliography: Philippe DAHHAN, Étains 1900, 200 Sculpteurs de la Belle Époque, Les Éditions de l'Amateur, Paris, 2000, reproduced p. 59, fig. 116.
Weight: 5,000 g.
Measurements: 43.5 cm (Diameter tray). 34 cm (height of jug).

Set of pitcher and circular tray of silver-plated pewter, Art Nouveau period. The base of the pitcher is richly decorated in relief with angels holding bands with the names of great figures in music, sculpture and painting. The tray complements the theme with allegories of Painting, Music, Architecture and Sculpture, interspersed with vegetal compositions. The handle of the jug is a sculptural figure of a standing nude young woman, whose raised arm is extended by a mirror.

Jules Brateau was a multidisciplinary French artist, excelling as a sculptor, goldsmith, jeweler and, above all, as a master of tin pottery. In the late 19th century, he was recognized as the key figure driving the renaissance of pewter art in France. In 1897, Brateau reached the pinnacle of his art by exhibiting at the Salon a series of pewter beakers that captivated critics. His model The Olive Tree is emblematic of his work: it was chosen to symbolize the art of pewter at the Universal Exhibition of 1900 and was later published in porcelain by the Manufacture de Sèvres. This cup is valued for its vigorous and balanced decoration and for the inscription "Multa Paucis" (With few resources much can be done), reflecting his artistic philosophy. Its influence was long-lasting, leading the way for goldsmith design until the beginning of Art Deco.